The name “Eltham Hotel” points to two distinct Australian pub experiences: a historic suburban bistro and sports bar in Eltham, Victoria, and a lovingly restored country pub with boutique accommodation in Eltham, New South Wales, in the Byron Bay hinterland. This guide separates the two, drawing on verified details from Broadsheet, official websites, and guest reviews to help you find the right option for a pub meal or a weekend away.
Last checked: 2026-08-12
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Address: 441 Eltham Rd, Eltham NSW 2480 · Phone: (02) 66291217 · Opening Hours: 12pm til’ late daily · Features: Pub fare, cold beer, live music, bottle shop, accommodation · Website: www.elthampub.com.au
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-08-12.
Sources reviewed: Official property website, TripAdvisor reviews, Booking.com listing, Victoria Tourism listing, Broadsheet editorial feature, Expedia listing, Trip.com listing, Yelp, Eltham District Historical Society newsletter.
We did not conduct an on-site visit, interview staff, or independently verify prices or availability.
Snapshot: Two hotels, one name
- Located at 746 Main Road, Eltham VIC, it operates as a pub and bistro, not a dedicated accommodation hotel. (TripAdvisor)
- A country pub and guesthouse at 441 Eltham Road, Eltham NSW, with five themed guest rooms. Guests on Booking.com rate it 9.3/10. (Booking.com)
- At 1339 Main Road, Eltham VIC, this 4-star hotel is often confused with the nearby Eltham Hotel pub but offers dedicated accommodation and conference facilities. (Expedia)
- The VIC site’s first hotel, the Fountain of Friendship, was built in 1852. It served as a meeting place for the Eltham Roads Board and a local police station supplier. (Eltham District Historical Society)
| Attribute | Eltham Hotel (VIC) | Eltham Hotel (NSW) |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 746 Main Road, Eltham VIC 3095 | 441 Eltham Road, Eltham NSW 2480 |
| Phone | Listed on official site | (02) 66291217 |
| Opening hours | 10:00 AM daily; closes 1:00 AM Sun–Thu, 3:00 AM Fri–Sat | 12 PM til’ late daily |
| Features | Family Bistro (seats 100), Sports Bar with TAB, function spaces | Pub fare, cold beer, live music, bottle shop, accommodation |
| Accommodation | No | Yes – 5 themed rooms |
| Average rating | ~3.1/5 (TripAdvisor, ~110 reviews) | 9.3/10 (Booking.com) |
Eltham Hotel Reviews: What guests say about each property
The most important distinction between the two properties emerges from guest feedback. The Eltham Hotel in Eltham VIC, listed on TripAdvisor as a restaurant rather than a hotel, holds an aggregate rating of approximately 3.1 out of 5 from about 108 to 110 reviews. Rating breakdowns show roughly equal numbers of “excellent” and “good” reviews compared to “poor” and “terrible,” pointing to inconsistent service and food quality over time. Positive reviews mention large meal portions and friendly staff, while negative accounts describe service perceived as “crazy bad” and food considered overpriced for the quality.
“The bistro area can seat up to 100 guests and offers affordable specials, coffee and snacks alongside full meals.”
— Victoria Tourism listing for Eltham Hotel (VIC)
By contrast, the Eltham Hotel NSW earns a 9.3 out of 10 on Booking.com, with guests consistently praising quiet nights despite sleeping above the pub, comfortable beds, and pub food including confit duck and oysters. TripAdvisor’s rooms feature page describes large guest rooms with private bathrooms, sitting areas, and access to a shady front veranda and balcony. Some reviewers note that the timber construction means noise levels can depend on neighbouring guests, a minor trade-off for the character.
Tip: If you search “Eltham Hotel reviews” on TripAdvisor, check whether the listing address is 746 Main Road (VIC) or 441 Eltham Road (NSW) — both exist on the platform under similar names.
The bottom line: Guest satisfaction diverges sharply. The NSW property delivers a consistently high-rated country pub stay; the VIC property serves as a functional local pub with variable experiences.
Eltham Hotel Opening Hours: Know before you go
The two properties operate on very different schedules. The Eltham Hotel in Eltham VIC opens at 10:00 AM daily and closes at 1:00 AM Sunday through Thursday, extending to 3:00 AM on Friday and Saturday — typical for a suburban pub with a late-night license. The Eltham Hotel NSW, by contrast, opens from 12 PM til’ late daily, a standard country pub schedule that reflects its rural Northern Rivers setting.
For visitors planning a meal, the VIC property’s bistro serves lunch and dinner within those windows, while the NSW property’s kitchen hours typically align with the 12 PM opening. Neither property publishes separate kitchen closing times on their official websites.
What to watch: If you are after a late Friday night drink in Melbourne’s northeast, the VIC pub stays open until 3 AM. The NSW pub closes earlier — call ahead to confirm kitchen last orders.
Eltham Hotel Menu: Pub fare with local character
The Eltham Hotel in Eltham VIC promotes a Family Bistro with share plates, salads, classic pub meals, a seniors menu, and a kids menu on its official website. The bistro is supported by a Sports Bar offering an environment with full TAB, Trackside, and Sportsbet facilities. Victoria Tourism notes that the bistro offers affordable specials, coffee, and snacks alongside full meals, targeting casual diners looking to “unwind with a cold drink.”
The Eltham Hotel NSW menu, as described by guest reviews and the property’s Instagram account @elthamhotelnsw, focuses on modern pub fare: confit duck, oysters, burgers, and cold beer. The property also operates a bottle shop. Broadsheet’s feature describes the food as “country pub meals done well,” though the menu is not published in full online.
Heads up: Neither property provides a complete, dated menu online. For the most current offerings and daily specials, call the VIC pub on its listed number or check the NSW property’s Instagram stories.
Why this matters: If you want a dedicated kids menu and seniors specials, the VIC bistro is the better fit. If you are after elevated country pub cooking in a restored heritage setting, head to the NSW property.
Eltham Hotel NSW: A closer look at the Northern Rivers stay
For travelers specifically looking to book accommodation, the Eltham Hotel NSW at 441 Eltham Road, Eltham NSW 2480 deserves a deeper look. The building is an approximately 118-year-old pub and guesthouse, purchased in 2019 by owners including musician Sarah Ashwood, Matt Rabbidge, and partner Luke Sullivan, according to a Broadsheet travel feature from April 2021. The restoration preserved the pub’s country character while upgrading the five upstairs guest rooms. Each room is themed around a woman from local lore — including Rhonda, a glamorous courtesan who worked there in the 1970s, and Patsy, a gardener with an award-winning rose garden.
Tip: The NSW property’s phone number is (02) 66291217. Its website is www.elthampub.com.au. Call directly to check room availability and confirm rates, as online booking platforms may not list all room types.
| Address | 441 Eltham Rd, Eltham NSW 2480 |
| Phone | (02) 66291217 |
| Opening hours | 12 PM til’ late daily |
| Features | Pub fare, cold beer, live music, bottle shop, accommodation |
| Website | www.elthampub.com.au |
| Guest rating | 9.3/10 (Booking.com) |
| Room count | 5 (themed after local women) |
Best for segments: Who fits best where
The two properties serve different traveler profiles:
- Couples: The NSW property’s quiet pub accommodation with themed rooms is suited for a romantic weekend away in the Byron hinterland.
- Groups of friends: The VIC pub’s Sports Bar and late hours make it a viable meeting spot for a night out in Melbourne’s northeast. The NSW pub’s live music and bottle shop also appeals to groups seeking a country escape.
- Solo travelers: The NSW property’s high guest rating and friendly pub atmosphere work well for solo travelers looking for a safe, characterful stay.
- Music enthusiasts: The NSW property promotes live music as a feature; check its Instagram for upcoming acts.
Alternatives: The other Eltham properties
If you have searched for “Eltham Hotel” and found yourself comparing options, two other properties regularly appear in results:
Eltham Gateway Hotel & Conference Centre at 1339 Main Road, Eltham VIC 3095, is a 4-star accommodation property often confused with the Eltham Hotel pub. Expedia lists it with a “Good” rating around 7.6/10 from hundreds of reviews, with amenities including free parking, a garden setting, and conference facilities. Trip.com notes check-in from 14:00 and checkout by 10:00, with front desk hours roughly 08:30–18:30 — useful for business travelers or families needing dedicated lodging rather than a pub room.
| Property | Location | Type | Rating | Accommodation? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eltham Hotel (VIC) | 746 Main Road, Eltham VIC | Pub and bistro | 3.1/5 (TripAdvisor) | No |
| Eltham Hotel (NSW) | 441 Eltham Road, Eltham NSW | Pub and guesthouse | 9.3/10 (Booking.com) | Yes – 5 rooms |
| Eltham Gateway Hotel (VIC) | 1339 Main Road, Eltham VIC | 4-star hotel and conference centre | 7.6/10 (Expedia) | Yes – multiple rooms |
Our pick: Travelers seeking a country pub experience
For the reader who wants the full package — a genuine country pub meal, a cold beer, live music, and a comfortable room upstairs — the Eltham Hotel NSW is our recommendation. Its 9.3 Booking.com rating, themed rooms grounded in local history, and location in the Northern Rivers near Byron Bay make it a standout for music lovers, couples, and groups looking for an authentic pub stay. The VIC property works well for locals wanting a bistro meal or a TAB bar, but it does not offer accommodation and its mixed reviews suggest visiting on an off night carries risk.
Our pick: Eltham Hotel (NSW)
Best for: Travelers seeking a country pub experience, music lovers, accommodation seekers, groups.
Phone: (02) 66291217 | Web: www.elthampub.com.au
For those exploring the Byron Bay hinterland, the Suffolk Park Hotel offers a similar pub-stay experience just a short drive from Eltham.
Frequently asked questions
What is the phone number for Eltham Hotel?
The Eltham Hotel NSW can be reached at (02) 66291217. The Eltham Hotel VIC does not list a direct phone number on its public website, but it is searchable via its official site at www.elthamhotel.com.au.
Where is Eltham Hotel located?
There are two: 746 Main Road, Eltham VIC 3095 (pub and bistro), and 441 Eltham Road, Eltham NSW 2480 (pub and guesthouse).
Does Eltham Hotel offer accommodation?
Only the Eltham Hotel NSW offers accommodation — five guest rooms upstairs. The Eltham Hotel VIC is a pub with no dedicated lodging.
What type of food does Eltham Hotel serve?
The VIC pub serves classic pub fare with share plates, salads, seniors and kids menus. The NSW pub serves country pub meals including confit duck, oysters, and burgers.
Is there live music at Eltham Hotel?
The Eltham Hotel NSW lists live music as a feature. The VIC property does not promote live music as a regular offering — it focuses on its Sports Bar and bistro.
Does Eltham Hotel have a bottle shop?
Yes, the Eltham Hotel NSW operates a bottle shop. The VIC pub does not mention a bottle shop on its website.
What are the opening hours of Eltham Hotel?
Eltham Hotel VIC: 10 AM daily, closes 1 AM Sun–Thu, 3 AM Fri–Sat. Eltham Hotel NSW: 12 PM til’ late daily.
Is there a kids area at Eltham Hotel?
The Eltham Hotel VIC offers a kids menu and a Family Bistro setting but does not advertise a dedicated kids play area. The NSW property does not mention children’s facilities.
Sources cited
- Eltham Hotel (VIC) official website
- TripAdvisor – Eltham Hotel VIC reviews
- TripAdvisor – Eltham Hotel NSW rooms feature
- Booking.com – Eltham Hotel NSW listing
- Broadsheet – The Check In: Eltham Hotel NSW feature
- Victoria Tourism – Eltham Hotel VIC listing
- Eltham District Historical Society newsletter (A Hotel or two!)
- Eltham History blog – ThrowbackThursday: The Eltham Hotel
- Expedia – Eltham Gateway Hotel overview
- Trip.com – Eltham Gateway Hotel details